Diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound elastography for detecting benign and malignant lymph nodes: a retrospective study

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Key findings

• The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the combined index of elastography grading score and short diameter was 0.702. The blue color ratio (BCR) could be employed in the detection of benign and malignant lymph nodes; however, BCR was unable to differentiate between lymph nodes with benign and small cell carcinoma.

What is known and what is new?

• Prior research highlights the diagnostic value of the semi-quantitative elastography index (BCR) for distinguishing between benign and malignant lymph nodes.

• Our study exhibits that BCR was affected by the pathology and location of lymph nodes.

What is the implication, and what should change now?

• It is recommended that invasive endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration remains the preferred option.

• Further research is essential to explore the factors affecting the BCR.

Publication: Zhou X, Li Y. Diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound elastography for detecting benign and malignant lymph nodes: a retrospective study. J Thorac Dis 2025;17(2):614-622. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-1042